Aristotle-to-Ricardo-to-Hayek turn the double play way better than Plato-to-Rousseau-to-Rawls

Thursday, August 06, 2009

The Republic Form of Government: Our Great Experiment

Our form of government is not a democracy, but a republic. A small number of elected officials make policy, laws and thus, decisions affecting the population as a whole. The third most populous nation in the world, fewer than 1,000 people make decisions affecting more than 300,000,000 souls.

Over two hundred years ago, America's founding fathers established a constitutional republic based on the audacious notion that the interests of its citizens would be best served by a wise body of their democratically-elected representatives. In the two centuries that have since transpired, that bold experiment has largely been a success. But we should also realize our system only works when the interests of voters and their government are in harmony. Unfortunately, recent evidence suggests that America's hard-working hometown legislators are feeling the pinch from a fickle and increasingly out-of-touch voter class who no longer serves our needs.

A recent Rasmussen tracking poll showed American Voters getting a paltry 23% approval rating from members of Congress and the Executive branch, and only 17% from members of the media. The toxic atmosphere caused by out-of-touch voters has been especially corrosive for Washington's youngest legislative aides and undersecretaries, many of whom now express outright cynicism and contempt for our system of unelected and unaccountable citizens.

I, Anthony Adams, pledge to the taxpayers of the 59th Assembly district of the State of California and to all the people of this state, that I will oppose and vote against any and all efforts to increase taxes.

California seems to be almost unique in the ability to recall elected officials, or at least one of the few states where the ability has been exercised. Will the recall succeed? I don't know, but it is worth watching. Perhaps it will catch on... although we need 'instant recall' to really make a difference.

One thing is for sure, the main-stream media is finding itself in the uncomfortable position of reporting on a republican being skewered for abandoning his 'no-tax' pledge, his parties principles, all to satisfy the minority interests in Sacramento. Just like Bush 41. Should be a slam dunk for a recall, no?